Backyard Patio Featured in Register Guard

Inspired by “Indiana Jones,” this playful patio is steeped in adventure and reminiscent of a forgotten civilization.

In July of 2013, the patio I created in my backyard was featured in The Register-Guard Home & Garden Special Publication edition.

I’m often asked what inspires me to imagine, design and complete a particular project. The answer is that it changes day-to-day.

I completed this patio and cover in 2012 as a project inspired by many things. Trips to Disneyland and Chichen Itza in Mexico were probably the driving forces for the imaginative component of this project. Thought had to be given as to structural integrity, and of course, it had to look as if it was old – ideally ancient.

Living in a relatively small home, my wife and I always wanted something that would enable us to spend a little more time in the backyard. The 8′ x 10′ original concrete patio was demoed and I started building. With the help of my two sons (when I could corral them), I excavated and poured four large footings for the patio cover post basses and retaining curb. The patio cover construction and lower rock work were conducted first to allow for working under cover when the rain started. By the following summer, we were enjoying it, no longer concerned with the weather.

Here is an excerpt from the Register Guard article:

The unique backyard arbor, which started taking shape in 2008, is like a stage or movie set, evoking a special outdoor feeling of magic and beauty and a dash of romanticism.

While he’s created a wonderful dreamscape façade, he makes a point to stress the key to such a project is structural integrity and carefully choosing the right materials that work well together. The patio, finished last year, fits right in with other esoteric highlights of Kellis’ artistry around the house, which includes numerous indicators of the serious but whimsical creativity going on here.

Raves of friends and visitors inspire him to undertake more similar works in the future. But who knows? Kellis dances to his own drum beat.

Contact or Commission Gary

Craftsman Award

Recognized by the American Institute of Architects for artistry and functional solutions of the highest standards.

What People are Saying

"I have been so lucky to view some of Gary's art projects in various stages of completion over the years. One piece in particular that I have admired for more than a decade was his original panting entitled "Running to the Sun". I never imagined that one day I would own a signed print of this inspiring painting. The framed piece now resides proudly above our fireplace mantel in our Southern California residence!

Now that Gary has decided to release signed prints of some of his other paintings, it is my plan to add several more paintings to our collection. I'm also looking forward to some day commission Gary to design and build some custom iron work at our residence here in Eugene in the near future.

Thank you, Gary, for making your art available to the public. I look forward to adding several other pieces as they become available on your website."